News

Negotiation update for May 19, 2011

Your bargaining committee met with the City today to receive a response on a proposal given to their team on May 6, 2011. We were told the afternoon of May 6th that the City had not scheduled Local 4502 for any meetings over the week of May 9 - 13 and would set May 18th as the next session.

We set the expectation that whoever had the authority to secure a contract on their side should be in attendance. Understandably, we were disappointed the City pushed back the session to Friday, May 20th, with the assurance that they would be able to secure an agreement.

On Thursday evening, Local 4502 President Bellous and Chief Negotiator Bill Bain received communication that the City Negotiator was unable to secure authority due to personnel being committed to the Casino mediation/work. We let them know we would still meet and receive their proposal in order to keep the process rolling.

The proposal was indicative of an offer that was drafted with no authority to establish a "bottom line" .... Your team was quick to begin work on what we consider a response with little room left to modify or suggest. CWA Local 4502 let the City Chief Negotiator know that our membership had little ability left to allow more extensions.

We have agreed to a June 2nd date with the understanding that a contract is possible with the employer. Bain and Bellous will work with team members and City reps from now until that next meeting to assure all the snags have been attended to, and an agreement ready to move forward. Team members will meet to put last minute data together in order to secure a contract that may include items never secured before, and which show the result of positive and professional working relationships with Administration officials as well as elected.

The membership of Local 4502 have seen many firsts over the last 2.5 years, and have begun to operate as a healthy Union should. The restoration of CSC seniority layoff rights under rule 12 was not only the first time a bargaining unit had successfully won back such a critical protection for its members....they are coming in to play in some Departments that are in financial crisis as a result of State and Federal funding reductions. Your Local has always followed a simple rule on representation. It matters!! That is why it is so important you know that over the last 2.5 years, more arbitration cases have been filed and won than at any other time in our history. Our Political status is on solid track to be a positive force in our favor and the Central Ohio Labor Council, AFL-CIO has already stepped up on our behalf to make sure the political community understands that when they work with our Local, they are dealing with an AFL-CIO affiliate and the strength of over 188 Unions across the area stand with us. It has really been a upward movement which is unprecedented.

Because of the fact that we are beginning to show signs of what a healthy Union looks like and operates as....we need those of you who have talents or time to call and let us know you are willing to offer an hour or two of your time for something that is bigger than all of us individually. Together we make progress in areas only achievable when we pitch in together.

Please contact your Department Rep as listed on this site and let him or her know you appreciate them being there! While you are at it, ask a few questions and learn a few new concepts. It is the way to solidarity and strength!

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